Methods and systems for automatic self-management of virtual machines in cloud-based networks

ABSTRACT

A cloud management system can insert a self-management module in virtual machines. The self-management module can be configured to automatically perform management functions on the virtual machine in which it is inserted. The management functions can include activation, suspension, or termination of the virtual machine. The management functions can also include tracking and monitoring the virtual machine. The management functions can also include providing messages to the cloud management system regarding the status and usage of the virtual machine.

FIELD

This invention relates generally to products and services, more particularly, to systems and methods for cloud computing related services and products.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

The advent of cloud-based computing architectures has opened new possibilities for the rapid and scalable deployment of virtual Web stores, media outlets, and other on-line sites or services. In general, a cloud-based architecture deploys a set of hosted resources such as processors, operating systems, software and other components that can be combined or strung together to form virtual machines. A user or customer can request the instantiation of a virtual machine or set of machines from those resources from a central server or management system to perform intended tasks or applications. For example, a user may wish to set up and instantiate a virtual server from the cloud to create a storefront to market products or services on a temporary basis, for instance, to sell tickets to an upcoming sports or musical performance. The user can lease or subscribe to the set of resources needed to build and run the set of instantiated virtual machines on a comparatively short-term basis, such as hours or days, for their intended application.

Once the virtual machines begin running in the cloud, the user or the cloud itself must manage the virtual machines. The management may include the instantiation, cloning, termination, and re-instantiation of the virtual machines. Due to the potentially large number of virtual machines running in a cloud, the virtual machines may become “lost” and continue to run in the cloud beyond their intended lifespan. As such, the lost virtual machines continue to consume resources from the cloud and cost the user excess fees for the consumption of resources, or cause other unintended effects. Thus, there is a need in the art for methods and systems that provides for automatic management of virtual machines in a cloud computing environment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various features of the embodiments can be more fully appreciated, as the same become better understood with reference to the following detailed description of the embodiments when considered in connection with the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an overall cloud system architecture in which various embodiments of the present teachings can be practiced;

FIG. 2 illustrates an overall cloud system architecture in which various embodiments of the present teachings can be practiced in another regard including multiple cloud arrangements, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates a network configuration in which virtual machines perform self-management, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary hardware configuration for a cloud management system, according to various embodiments; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart for overall virtual machine self-management, according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

For simplicity and illustrative purposes, the principles of the present invention are described by referring mainly to exemplary embodiments thereof. However, one of ordinary skill in the art would readily recognize that the same principles are equally applicable to, and can be implemented in, all types of information and service portals, and that any such variations do not depart from the true spirit and scope of the present invention. Moreover, in the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying figures, which illustrate specific embodiments. Electrical, mechanical, logical and structural changes may be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Embodiments of the present teachings relate to systems and methods for automatic self-management of cloud-based virtual machines. More particularly, embodiments relate to platforms and techniques in which a cloud management system can insert a self-management module in virtual machines, and the self-management module can perform management functions to control a particular virtual machine.

According to embodiments, in general, a user can request instantiation of a virtual machine in a cloud computing environment. The user can request the instantiation of virtual machines from a cloud computing environment, which can include a set of resource servers configured to deliver processor cycles, operating systems or components thereof, applications, input/output bandwidth, or other computing resources. The cloud management system identifies the resources necessary to build and launch virtual machines to the user's specification, and requests those resources from the set of resource servers.

According to embodiments, at the users request or independently, the cloud management system can be configured to insert a self-management module in the virtual machine. The self-management module can be inserted into the virtual machine during building, prior to instantiation, or can be inserted into the virtual machine after instantion. The self-management module can be configured to automatically perform management functions on the virtual machine in which it is inserted.

The management functions can include activation, suspension, or termination of the virtual machine. The management functions can also include tracking and monitoring the virtual machine. The management functions can also include providing messages to the cloud management system regarding the status and usage of the virtual machine. For example, the self-management module can message the cloud management system regarding the operating status (activated, suspended, or terminated), errors in the virtual machine, the usage of the virtual machine (instantiation duration, resources consumed).

By including a self-management module in the virtual machines, the virtual machines can perform management function without input from the user or cloud management system. As such, the likelihood of virtual machines being lost can be reduced thereby maximizing cloud resources and reducing cost to users.

FIG. 1 illustrates an overall cloud computing environment, in systems and methods for the management of subscriptions of cloud-based virtual machines can operate, according to embodiments of the present teachings. Embodiments described herein can be implemented in or supported by a cloud network architecture. As used herein, a “cloud” can comprise a collection of resources that can be invoked to instantiate a virtual machine, process, or other resource for a limited or defined duration. As shown for example in FIG. 1, the collection of resources supporting a cloud 102 can comprise a set of resource servers 108 configured to deliver computing components needed to instantiate a virtual machine, process, or other resource. For example, one group of resource servers can host and serve an operating system or components thereof to deliver to and instantiate a virtual machine. Another group of resource servers can accept requests to host computing cycles or processor time, to supply a defined level of processing power for a virtual machine. A further group of resource servers can host and serve applications to load on an instantiation of a virtual machine, such as an email client, a browser application, a messaging application, or other applications or software. Other types of resource servers are possible.

In embodiments, the entire set of resource servers 108 or other hardware or software resources used to support the cloud 102 along with its instantiated virtual machines is managed by a cloud management system 104. The cloud management system 104 can comprise a dedicated or centralized server and/or other software, hardware, and network tools that communicate via one or more networks 106 such as the Internet or other public or private network with all sets of resource servers to manage the cloud 102 and its operation. To instantiate a new set of virtual machines, a user can transmit an instantiation request to the cloud management system 104 for the particular type of virtual machine they wish to invoke for their intended application. A user can for instance make a request to instantiate a set of virtual machines configured for email, messaging or other applications from the cloud 102. The request can be received and processed by the cloud management system 104, which identifies the type of virtual machine, process, or other resource being requested. The cloud management system 104 can then identify the collection of resources necessary to instantiate that machine or resource. In embodiments, the set of instantiated virtual machines or other resources can for example comprise virtual transaction servers used to support Web storefronts, or other transaction sites.

In embodiments, the user's instantiation request can specify a variety of parameters defining the operation of the set of virtual machines to be invoked. The instantiation request, for example, can specify a defined period of time for which the instantiated machine or process is needed. The period of time can be, for example, an hour, a day, or other increment of time. In embodiments, the user's instantiation request can specify the instantiation of a set of virtual machines or processes on a task basis, rather than for a predetermined amount of time. For instance, a user could request resources until a software update is completed. The user's instantiation request can specify other parameters that define the configuration and operation of the set of virtual machines or other instantiated resources. For example, the request can specify an amount of processing power or input/output (I/O) throughput the user wishes to be available to each instance of the virtual machine or other resource. In embodiments, the requesting user can for instance specify a service level agreement (SLA) acceptable for their application. Other parameters and settings can be used. One skilled in the art will realize that the user's request can likewise include combinations of the foregoing exemplary parameters, and others.

When the request to instantiate a set of virtual machines or other resources has been received and the necessary resources to build that machine or resource have been identified, the cloud management system 104 can communicate with one or more set of resource servers 108 to locate resources to supply the required components. The cloud management system 104 can select providers from the diverse set of resource servers 108 to assemble the various components needed to build the requested set of virtual machines or other resources. It may be noted that in some embodiments, permanent storage such as hard disk arrays may not be included or located within the set of resource servers 108 available to the cloud management system 104, since the set of instantiated virtual machines or other resources may be intended to operate on a purely transient or temporary basis. In embodiments, other hardware, software or other resources not strictly located or hosted in the cloud can be leveraged as needed. For example, other software services that are provided outside of the cloud 102 and hosted by third parties can be invoked by in-cloud virtual machines. For further example, other non-cloud hardware and/or storage services can be utilized as an extension to the cloud 102; either on an on-demand or subscribed or decided basis.

With the resource requirements identified, the cloud management system 104 can extract and build the set of virtual machines or other resources on a dynamic or on-demand basis. For example, one set of resource servers 108 may respond to an instantiation request for a given quantity of processor cycles with an offer to deliver that computational power immediately and guaranteed for the next hour. A further set of resource servers 108 can offer to immediately supply communication bandwidth, for example on a guaranteed minimum or best-efforts basis. In other embodiments, the set of virtual machines or other resources can be built on a batch basis or at a particular future time. For example, a set of resource servers 108 may respond to a request for instantiation at a programmed time with an offer to deliver the specified quantity of processor cycles within a specific amount of time, such as the next 12 hours.

The cloud management system 104 can select group of servers in the set of resource servers 108 that match or best match the instantiation request for each component needed to build the virtual machine or other resource. The cloud management system 104 can then coordinate the integration of the completed group of servers from the set of resource servers 108, to build and launch the requested set of virtual machines or other resources. The cloud management system 104 can track the combined group of servers selected from the set of resource servers 108, or other distributed resources that are dynamically or temporarily combined, to produce and manage the requested virtual machine population or other resources.

In embodiments, the cloud management system 104 can generate a resource aggregation table that identifies the various sets of resource servers that will be used to supply the components of the virtual machine or process. The sets of resource servers can be identified by unique identifiers such as, for instance, Internet protocol (IP) addresses or other addresses. The cloud management system 104 can register the finalized group of servers in the set resource servers 108 contributing to an instantiated machine or process.

The cloud management system 104 can then set up and launch the initiation process for the virtual machines, processes, or other resources to be delivered from the cloud. The cloud management system 104 can for instance transmit an instantiation command or instruction to the registered group of servers in set of resource servers 108. The cloud management system 104 can receive a confirmation message back from each participating server in set of resource servers 108 indicating a status regarding the provisioning of their respective resources. Various sets of resource servers may confirm, for example, the availability of a dedicated amount of processor cycles, amounts of electronic memory, communications bandwidth, or applications or other software prepared to be served.

As shown for example in FIG. 2, the cloud management system 104 can then instantiate one or more than one set of virtual machines 116, or other processes based on the resources supplied by the registered set of resource servers 108. In embodiments, the cloud management system 104 can instantiate a given number, for example, 10, 500, 1000, or other numbers of virtual machines to be made available to users on a network 114, such as the Internet or other public or private network. Each virtual machine can be assigned an instantiated machine ID that can be stored in the resource aggregation table, or other record or image of the instantiated population. Additionally, the cloud management system 104 can store the duration of each virtual machine and the collection of resources utilized by the complete set of instantiated virtual machines 116.

In embodiments, the cloud management system 104 can further store, track and manage a user's identity and associated set of rights or entitlements to software, hardware, and other resources. Each user that populates a set of virtual machines in the cloud can have specific rights and resources assigned and made available to them. The cloud management system 104 can track and configure specific actions that a user can perform, such as provision a set of virtual machines with software applications or other resources, configure a set of virtual machines to desired specifications, submit jobs to the set of virtual machines or other host, manage other users of the set of instantiated virtual machines 116 or other resources, and other privileges or actions. The cloud management system 104 can further generate records of the usage of instantiated virtual machines to permit tracking, billing, and auditing of the services consumed by the user. In embodiments, the cloud management system 104 can for example meter the usage and/or duration of the set of instantiated virtual machines 116, to generate subscription billing records for a user that has launched those machines. Other billing or value arrangements are possible.

The cloud management system 104 can configure each virtual machine to be made available to users of the one or more networks 106 via a browser interface, or other interface or mechanism. Each instantiated virtual machine can communicate with the cloud management system 104 and the underlying registered set of resource servers 108 via a standard Web application programming interface (API), or via other calls or interfaces. The set of instantiated virtual machines 116 can likewise communicate with each other, as well as other sites, servers, locations, and resources available via the Internet or other public or private networks, whether within a given cloud 102 or between clouds.

It may be noted that while a browser interface or other front-end can be used to view and operate the set of instantiated virtual machines 116 from a client or terminal, the processing, memory, communications, storage, and other hardware as well as software resources required to be combined to build the virtual machines or other resources are all hosted remotely in the cloud 102. In embodiments, the set of virtual machines 116 or other resources may not depend on or require the user's own on-premise hardware or other resources. In embodiments, a user can therefore request and instantiate a set of virtual machines or other resources on a purely off-premise basis, for instance to build and launch a virtual storefront or other application.

Because the cloud management system 104 in one regard specifies, builds, operates and manages the set of instantiated virtual machines 116 on a logical level, the user can request and receive different sets of virtual machines and other resources on a real-time or near real-time basis, without a need to specify or install any particular hardware. The user's set of instantiated virtual machines 116, processes, or other resources can be scaled up or down immediately or virtually immediately on an on-demand basis, if desired. In embodiments, the various sets of resource servers that are accessed by the cloud management system 104 to support a set of instantiated virtual machines 116 or processes can change or be substituted, over time. The type and operating characteristics of the set of instantiated virtual machines 116 can nevertheless remain constant or virtually constant, since instances are assembled from abstracted resources that can be selected and maintained from diverse sources based on uniform specifications.

In terms of network management of the set of instantiated virtual machines 116 that have been successfully configured and instantiated, the cloud management system 104 can perform various network management tasks including security, maintenance, and metering for billing or subscription purposes. The cloud management system 104 of a given cloud can 102, for example, install or terminate applications or appliances on individual machines. The cloud management system 104 can monitor operating virtual machines to detect any virus or other rogue process on individual machines, and for instance terminate the infected application or virtual machine. The cloud management system 104 can likewise manage an entire set of instantiated virtual machines 116 or other resources on a collective basis, for instance, to push or delivery a software upgrade to all active virtual machines. Other management processes are possible.

In embodiments, more than one set of virtual machines can be instantiated in a given cloud at the same, overlapping or successive times. The cloud management system 104 can, in such implementations, build, launch and manage multiple sets of virtual machines based on the same or different underlying set of resource servers 108, with populations of different sets of instantiated virtual machines 116 such as may be requested by different users. The cloud management system 104 can institute and enforce security protocols in a cloud 102 hosting multiple sets of virtual machines. Each of the individual sets of virtual machines can be hosted in a respective partition or sub-cloud of the resources of the cloud 102. The cloud management system 104 of a cloud can for example deploy services specific to isolated or defined sub-clouds, or isolate individual workloads/processes within the cloud to a specific sub-cloud. The subdivision of the cloud 102 into distinct transient sub-clouds or other sub-components which have assured security and isolation features can assist in establishing a multiple user or multi-tenant cloud arrangement. In a multiple user scenario, each of the multiple users can use the cloud platform as a common utility while retaining the assurance that their information is secure from other users of the overall cloud system. In further embodiments, sub-clouds can nevertheless be configured to share resources, if desired.

In embodiments, and as also shown in FIG. 2, the set of instantiated virtual machines 116 generated in a first cloud 102 can also interact with a set of instantiated virtual machines or processes generated in a second, third or further cloud 102. The cloud management system 104 of a first cloud 102 can interface with the cloud management system 104 of a second cloud 102, to coordinate those domains and operate the clouds and/or virtual machines or processes on a combined basis. The cloud management system 104 of a given cloud 102 can track and manage individual virtual machines or other resources instantiated in that cloud, as well as the set of instantiated virtual machines or other resources in other clouds.

In the foregoing and other embodiments, the user making an instantiation request or otherwise accessing or utilizing the cloud network can be a person, customer, subscriber, administrator, corporation, organization, or other entity. In embodiments, the user can be or include another virtual machine, application or process. In further embodiments, multiple users or entities can share the use of a set of virtual machines or other resources.

FIG. 3 illustrates aspects of a cloud management system 104 and the self-management of virtual machines 116 of a cloud 102, according to various embodiments. In embodiments as shown, the cloud management system 104 can comprise a management engine 128 containing control logic for performing the processes of cloud management and a cloud management store 126. In embodiments as shown, the cloud management system 104 can be configured to build and communicate with instantiated virtual machines 116 via one or more networks 106, such as the Internet or other public or private network. The virtual machines 116 can be or include, for instance, a set of virtual servers that can support on-line services or sites, such as Web storefronts or music download or other media delivery. In embodiments as shown, the building of the instantiated virtual machines 116 can be initiated based on an instantiation request from a user 112, including the specification for software, computing, or other resources.

The cloud management system 104 can be configured to communicate with the user 112 via an interface 114 to allow the user to subscribe to cloud 102 and request instantiation of virtual machine 116. The interface 114 can be any type of interface to allow the user to communicate information to the cloud management system 104. For example, the interface 114 can be a specific graphical, command-line, or other interface generated by a program or application designed to communicate with the cloud management system 104. Likewise, the interface 114 can be an interface generated in conventional formats, such as .html, capable of being executed in network programs and applications, such as a web browser.

During the subscription, the cloud management system 104 can collect information from the user 112 in order to track the user's subscription to the cloud 102. The cloud management system 104 can collect information such as identity, payment and billing information, and desired cloud usage. The cloud management system 104 can maintain the subscription information in cloud management store 126.

Additionally, the user 112 can request the instantiation of virtual machines 116 in cloud 102. The cloud management system 104 can be configured to receive the request via interface 114. To instantiate the virtual machines 116, the cloud management system 104 can, for example, set the operating system, application, processing level, bandwidth, and other parameters specifying the resources and capability of the virtual machines 116.

As part of the process of building the virtual machines 116, the cloud management system 104 can instantiate the virtual machines 116 and embed a management ID into that each virtual machine. The management ID can be, for instance, a file, certificate, cookie, or other identification object encoding a unique identifier for that virtual machine. The incorporation of management ID into the virtual machines 116 can permit cloud management system 104 to directly configure, manage, store and track the virtual machines 116.

In embodiments, as part of the process of building the virtual machines 116, the cloud management system 104 can be configured to insert a self-management module 118 into each virtual machine 116. The self-management module 118 can be configured to perform various management functions of a particular virtual machine 116 into which it is inserted. The management functions can include activation, suspension, or termination of the particular virtual machine 116, monitoring of the status and usage of the particular virtual machine 116, and messaging regarding the status and usage of the particular virtual machine 116. The self-management module 118 can be inserted at the request of the user 112 or independently by the cloud management system 104. The self-management module 118 can be inserted into the virtual machine 116 during building, prior to instantiation of the virtual machine 116, or can be inserted after instantiation of the virtual machine 116.

The self-management module 118 can include a set of utilities and tools to automatically perform the management functions of an individual virtual machine 116. The self-management module 118 can be implemented in any known scripting or programming language such as PERL, shell scripting, JAVA, and the like.

In embodiments, the self-management module 118 can be configured to activate the associated virtual machine 116. The self-management module 118 can be configured to activate the virtual machine 116 upon instantiation of the virtual machine 116. Likewise, the self-management module 118 can be configured to activate the virtual machine 116 upon the occurrence of a particular event or to re-activate the virtual machine 116 after it has been suspended or terminated. For example, the self-management module 118 can activate the virtual machine 116 at a particular time period.

In embodiments, the self-management module 118 can be configured to monitor and track the particular virtual machine 116 with which it is associated. The self-management module 118 can monitor and track the status of the virtual machine 116. For example, the self-management module 118 can monitor the virtual machine 116 for errors. In response to an error, the self-management module 118 can repair the virtual machine 116, or suspend or terminate the virtual machine 116.

Additionally, in embodiments, the self-management module 118 can track or meter the consumption of cloud 102 resources by the particular virtual machine 116 and can track the utilization of the particular virtual machine 116 by the user 118 or other third parties. For example, the management engine 128 can track such data as the duration the particular virtual machine 116 is instantiated in the cloud 102, the time period that the particular virtual machine 116 is instantiated (peak or off-peak times), and the computing resources consumed by the particular virtual machine 116 (number of resource servers, computing cycles, bandwidth, memory usage, storage usage). The self-management module 118 can track and meter the consumption by querying the cloud 102 or cloud management system 104 regarding the usage of the particular virtual machine 116.

In embodiments, the self-management module 118 can be configured to suspend or terminate the particular virtual machine 116 with which it is associated. The self-management module 118 can be configured to suspend or terminate the virtual machine 116 upon the occurrence of a particular event or based on the monitoring of the virtual machine 116, such as a error in the virtual machine 116 or the end of the lifespan of the virtual machine 116. The self-management module 118 can terminate the particular virtual machine by ceasing the process of the virtual machine 116 and by ceasing consumptions of resources from the cloud 102. Likewise, if the virtual machine 116 exists in storage or memory in the cloud 102. the self-management module 118 can instruct the cloud 102 or the cloud management system 104 to erase or purge the virtual machine 116 upon termination of the virtual machine 116.

For example, the self-management module 118 can be configured to suspend or to terminate a virtual machine 116 based on one or more of the following situations:

-   -   1. The self-management module 118 module can track the duration         (hours, days, months, years) a particular virtual machine 116         has been active. The self-management module 118 can terminate         the virtual machine 116 upon reaching a specific or         predetermined duration.     -   2. The self-management module 118 can monitor and track the         resources of cloud (e.g. computer cycles, memory, bandwidth)         utilized or consumed by the particular virtual machine 116. The         self-management module 118 can suspend or terminate the virtual         machine 116 upon reaching a specific or predetermined amount of         resources consumed. Additionally, the self-management module 118         can suspend or terminate the virtual machine 116 if there is         inactivity in resources utilized or consumed by virtual machine         116. Also, the self-management module 118 can suspend or         terminate the virtual machine 116 if there over utilization of         resources utilized or consumed by the virtual machine beyond an         expected or predetermined amount (e.g. consuming more bandwidth         than expected).     -   3. In the above 1. and 2., the self-management module 118 can         also monitor a monetary rate charged for duration (e.g. rate per         hour of activity) and/or a monetary rate charged for resource         consumption (e.g. rate per computer cycle utilized). The         self-management module 118 can terminate the virtual machine 116         upon reaching a specific or predetermined charge for the         particular virtual machine 116 activity. Other parameters in         addition to those in (1), (2), and (3) can be tracked.

In embodiments, the self-management module 118 can be configured to update and inform the cloud management system 104 and/or user 112 on the status and activity of the particular virtual machine 116. The self-management module 118 can send messages informing the cloud management system 104 or user 112 of the status (active, suspended, or terminated), the monitored or tracked usage, and errors. The self-management module 118 can send the messages via network 106 in any well-known communications protocol such as TCP/IP, UDP, and the like.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary diagram of hardware and other resources that can be incorporated in a cloud management system 104 configured to communicate with instantiated virtual machines 116 and the user 118 via one or more networks 106, according to embodiments. In embodiments as shown, cloud management system 104 can comprise a processor 130 communicating with memory 132, such as electronic random access memory, operating under control of or in conjunction with operating system 136. Operating system 136 can be, for example, a distribution of the Linux™ operating system, the Unix™ operating system, or other open-source or proprietary operating system or platform. Processor 130 also communicates with cloud management store 126, such as a database stored on a local hard drive. Processor 130 further communicates with network interface 134, such as an Ethernet or wireless data connection, which in turn communicates with one or more networks 106, such as the Internet or other public or private networks. Processor 130 also communicates with cloud management store 126 and management engine 128, to execute control logic and control the operation of virtual machines and other resources in cloud 102. Processor 130 also communicates with cloud management store 126 and management engine 128, to execute control logic to build and insert self-management modules in the virtual machines. Other configurations of cloud management system 104, associated network connections, and other hardware and software resources are possible.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of overall subscription management in a cloud environment, according to embodiments of the present teachings. In 502, processing can begin. In 504, cloud management system 104 can receive a request from a customer, administrator, or other user to instantiate virtual machines or other resources in cloud 102. In 506, the cloud management system 104 can build the virtual machines according to the request and insert a self-management module into a virtual machine. The self-management module can be inserted at the request of the user or independently by the cloud management system 104. As illustrated, the self-management module can be inserted during building prior to instantiation. Likewise, the self-management module can be inserted after instantiation of the virtual machine.

In 508, the cloud management system 104 can instantiate virtual machines as requested by the user. Once instantiated, in 510, the self-management module can begin performing the management process of the virtual machine. The management functions can include activation, suspension, or termination of the virtual machine 116, monitoring of the status and usage of the virtual machine 116, and messaging regarding the status and usage of the virtual machine 116. In 512, the self management module can continue the management functions until the virtual machine is terminated.

Then, in 514, if the user terminates access to the cloud 102, the process can end, but the process can return to any point and repeat.

In the foregoing and other embodiments, the user making an instantiation request or otherwise accessing the cloud network can be a person, customer, subscriber, corporation, organization, or other entity. In embodiments, the user can be or include another virtual machine, application or process. In further embodiments, multiple users or entities can share the use of a set of virtual machines or other resources.

While the invention has been described with reference to the exemplary embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications to the described embodiments without departing from the true spirit and scope. The terms and descriptions used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. In particular, although the method has been described by examples, the steps of the method may be performed in a different order than illustrated or simultaneously. Those skilled in the art will recognize that these and other variations are possible within the spirit and scope as defined in the following claims and their equivalents. 

1. A method of managing virtual machines in a cloud computing environment, comprising: instantiating at least one virtual machine in a cloud computing environment; and inserting a management module in the at least one virtual machine, wherein the management module is configured to monitor the at least one virtual machine and to control the at least one virtual machine based on the monitoring.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the management module is configured to monitor at least one of a time period for the at least one virtual machine, a duration of the at least one virtual machine, or a resource usage of the at least one virtual machine.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the management module is configured to transmit a message to a cloud management system indicating the monitored at least time period, duration, or usage.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the management module is configured to terminate the at least one virtual machine based on the monitored at least time period, duration, or usage
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the management module is configured to activate to suspend, or to terminate the at least one virtual machine.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the management module is configured to transmit a message to a cloud management system indicating activation, suspension, or termination of the at least one virtual machine.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the management module is configured to suspend or to terminate the at least one virtual machine based on a time period for the at least one virtual machine, a duration of the at least one virtual machine, or a resource usage of the at least one virtual machine.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the cloud computing environment comprises a set of resource servers configured to deliver resources to instantiate the at least one virtual machine.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the management module is inserted in the at least one virtual machine prior to instantiation of the at least one virtual machine or after instantiation of the at least one virtual machine.
 10. A system for managing virtual machines in a cloud computing environment, comprising: a network interface to at least one virtual machine in a cloud computing environment; and a cloud management module, communicating with the network interface, the cloud management module being configured to— instantiating at least one virtual machine in a cloud computing environment; and inserting a management module in the at least one virtual machine, wherein the management module is configured to monitor the at least one virtual machine and to control the at least one virtual machine based on the monitoring.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the management module is configured to monitor at least one of a time period for the at least one virtual machine, a duration of the at least one virtual machine, or a resource usage of the at least one virtual machine.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the management module is configured to transmit a message to a cloud management system indicating the monitored at least time period, duration, or usage.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the management module is configured to terminate the at least one virtual machine based on the monitored at least time period, duration, or usage
 14. The system of claim 10, wherein the management module is configured to activate to suspend, or to terminate the at least one virtual machine.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the management module is configured to transmit a message to a cloud management system indicating activation, suspension, or termination of the at least one virtual machine.
 16. The system of claim 14, wherein the management module is configured to suspend or to terminate the at least one virtual machine based on a time period for the at least one virtual machine, a duration of the at least one virtual machine, or a resource usage of the at least one virtual machine.
 17. The system of claim 10, wherein the cloud computing environment comprises a set of resource servers configured to deliver resources to instantiate the at least one virtual machines
 18. A virtual machine, the virtual machine being managed by a method comprising: instantiating at least one virtual machine in a cloud computing environment; and executing a management module in the at least one virtual machine, wherein the management module is configured to monitor the at least one virtual machine and to control the at least one virtual machine based on the monitoring.
 19. The virtual machine of claim 18, wherein the management module is configured to monitor at least one of a time period for the at least one virtual machine, a duration of the at least one virtual machine, or a resource usage of the at least one virtual machine.
 20. The virtual machine of claim 19, wherein the management module is configured to transmit a message to a cloud management system indicating the monitored at least time period, duration, or usage.
 21. The virtual machine of claim 19, wherein the management module is configured to terminate the at least one virtual machine based on the monitored at least time period, duration, or usage
 22. The virtual machine of claim 18, wherein the management module is configured to activate to suspend, or to terminate the at least one virtual machine.
 23. The virtual machine of claim 22, wherein the management module is configured to transmit a message to a cloud management system indicating activation, suspension, or termination of the at least one virtual machine.
 24. The virtual machine of claim 22, wherein the management module is configured to suspend or to terminate the at least one virtual machine based on a time period for the at least one virtual machine, a duration of the at least one virtual machine, or a resource usage of the at least one virtual machine.
 25. The virtual machine of claim 18, wherein the cloud computing environment comprises a set of resource servers configured to deliver resources to instantiate the at least one virtual machines. 